Now that we're admitting players whose entire careers barely spanned 1,000 innings (about two-thirds of a full season of nine-inning games), where's the guy who played nearly every inning of every game for more than two decades?

Where's the Hit King who played the most games, got the most at-bats, recorded the most hits and took part in the most victories in baseball history? Where's the guy who made head-first slides and other derring-do an everyday occurrence? Where's the guy who made All-Star teams at five positions?

This is not meant to knock just-elected Bruce Sutter, whose selection we support. (We'd push for Goose Gossage, as well.) But now that we're debating whether to elect documented cheaters (Rafael Palmeiro, pick up the white courtesy phone), where's the one who has paid the highest price – his place in baseball – without any suggestion he ever compromised his play between the lines?

It's time to give Pete Rose his spot in Cooperstown, whether or not he's ever officially reinstated by Major League Baseball, which appears increasingly doubtful.

We know what Rose did and why he became MLB's Public Enemy No. 1. We also know what he accomplished when he wore No. 14 for 24 seasons.

And I think the two can be reconciled.

Really, the Hall of Fame has been doing just that. Even though Rose is officially a baseball nonentity, there are displays of him and his memorabilia all over the Cooperstown shrine.

How much sense does it make to glorify his on-field feats but not even allow him to be placed on the Hall of Fame ballot? (His election is no sure thing, but why not give the Baseball Writers Association of America electors the chance?)

How much sense does it make that Jose Canseco, who has written a book documenting his use of illegal drugs (steroids may not have been officially banned by baseball, but they were illegal) will be on the ballot next year, but Rose may never be?

Rose is listed as a permanent exile by MLB, though the commissioner has the power to commute the sentence. Current Commissioner Bud Selig has shown no inclination to do so.

The Hall of Fame has chosen to go along with MLB and not recognize the candidacy of players who have been banned, most notably Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson.

It seems to me the Baseball Writers and the Hall of Fame have enough power to split with MLB and tell Commissioner Bud Selig they'd like to place Rose on the ballot. Maybe that would get MLB to reshape some of its stodgy thinking.

Baseball can continue to ban Rose from ever returning to an official capacity – coach, manager, scout, owner, or whatever.

But it seems to me he could still be considered for his nonpareil baseball accomplishments and take his place in Cooperstown – alongside his many displays there.

That, to me, seems fair to all parties, and lets the Baseball Writers finally get the chance to say yea or nay.